Libraries near you

For most modules, the wide range of online information resources available via this website will be sufficient. However, we acknowledge that Open University students and staff sometimes need to use other libraries to borrow books, to use collections for reference, or as a quiet place to work or study.

SCONUL Access

If, after your module has started, you want to use other university libraries then you can use the SCONUL Access scheme to gain access to and borrow books from most university libraries in the UK (and some in Ireland). The following categories of OU member are eligible:

• undergraduate students (other than those registered only on undergraduate level short modules of 10 or 15 points)
• postgraduate students on taught modules (non-research)
• postgraduate research students registered for a PhD, MPhil or similar qualification
• staff on open or fixed term contracts

How do I join SCONUL Access?

1. Visit the SCONUL Access website to find out which libraries near you will give you borrowing rights. This is especially important for students from Ireland where access is limited to only a few libraries.
2. Complete a SCONUL Access form. Enter your student PI in the field 'Library/ID card number (home institution)'. We will use this to produce 2 cards, your SCONUL Access card and your OU library card.
3. Post your form to SCONUL Access scheme, Open University Library, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA. If you wish to email your form to us, please note that we can only accept your form if it is signed. We cannot accept a typed signature.
4. Allow 10 working days for us to process your application. You need to apply for membership more than 1 month before your module finishes.
5. Use the SCONUL Access website to find out more about the library you would like to visit. You need to know their opening hours and whether you need passport size photo(s) to go on their card.
6. Remember to take both cards with you to the library you wish to join and apply for their membership card.

The number of items you may borrow, and the length of the loan will vary from library to library.

SCONUL Access does not provide automatic rights to computer facilities, but many member libraries do provide some access.

You are responsible for all fines and charges associated with any items that you borrow.

How do I renew my SCONUL Access membership?

Please submit a new SCONUL Access application form entering your student PI number in the space for 'Library/ID card number (home institution)'. If you want your membership to be continuous, please ensure you allow enough time for us to process your request (see number of working days above).

Scotland

The OU Library is a member of the Scottish Confederation of University and Research Libraries (SCURL). Most SCURL libraries can be accessed by joining SCONUL Access. However, academic staff and postgraduate research students can join SCURL Research Extra to gain access to specialist libraries that are not members of the SCONUL Access scheme. To join this scheme, complete the SCURL Research Extra application form and post to the address above.

London

The OU Library is a member of the M25 Consortium of Academic Libraries. Nearly all M25 libraries can be accessed by joining SCONUL Access. However, their Visit a Library tool has useful information for academic staff and postgraduate research students on how to access specialist libraries that are not members of the SCONUL Access scheme.

Open University students and staff are entitled to apply for a pass for the British Library's St. Pancras reading rooms in London.